We're only one issue into DC's fractured timeline Flash story Flashpoint, but apparently the miniseries' ramifications are so monumental they'll knock the entire DC Universe back to square issue one. Also, DC's starting day-and-date digital publishing with these renumbered titles.

From DC's press release:

On Wednesday, August 31st, DC Comics will launch a historic renumbering of the entire DC Universe line of comic books with 52 first issues, including the release of JUSTICE LEAGUE by NEW YORK TIMES bestselling writer and DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns and bestselling artist and DC Comics Co-Publisher Jim Lee. The publication of JUSTICE LEAGUE issue 1 will launch day-and-date digital publishing for all these ongoing titles, making DC Comics the first of the two major American publishers to release all of its superhero comic book titles digitally the same day as in print.

DC Comics will only publish two comic books on August 31st: the final issue of this summer's comic book mini-series FLASHPOINT and the first issue of JUSTICE LEAGUE by Johns and Lee, two of the most distinguished and popular contemporary comic book creators, who will be collaborating for the first time. Together they will offer a contemporary take on the origin of the comic book industry's premier superhero team.

It's unlikely this will affect DC's Vertigo books (Fables, Sweet Tooth, and whatnot occur outside of the DC Universe), but — aside from appealing to collectors — what sort of universe-shattering event could roll back these titles?

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DC's implemented a policy of editorial omerta, so it's unclear what sort of creative shifts we'll see come fall. I'm just going to speculate that all the titles are restarting due to the second coming of Prez. Yes DC, I will keep incessantly hyping Prez until he's back in print.

In any case, here's a snippet of Jim Lee's new Justice League costumes (via USA Today). Lee redesigned 50+ costumes for the relaunch. New outfits for everybody!